BOULDER â€“ With a lineup that seemingly stretches forever with long-armed players measuring 6-feet-7, 6-10 and 6-11 across the frontcourt, Baylorâ€™s 2-3 zone figures to be a challenge for Colorado in Saturdayâ€™s 11:30 a.m. (Altitude) game in Waco, Texas.

For one thing, Big 12 Conference teams rarely employ the zone as the base defense.

â€śThe one thing that makes it different from most zones is their length,â€ť CU coach Tad Boyle said Thursday after practice. â€śThe whole key against the zone is we have to make good decisions. And we have to play inside-out and not just settle for jump shots.

â€śMost teams that play zone want you to take a quick jump shot. Then we have to offensive rebound, which will be a real challenge with their size and length.â€ť

Boyle said he is glad the Buffs faced some zone teams during the preseason. The most talented was future Pac-12 rival Oregon State.

Colorado crushed the Beavers 83-57 on Dec. 4 in Boulder. Often beating Oregon State down the court before the zone could set up, CU shot a sizzling 58.6 percent from the field.

â€śI think weâ€™re a good zone offense team,â€ť Boyle said. â€śOregon State came in here with a 1-3-1. Their guys are long and athletic and we really handled it well.â€ť